On August 26, 2024, a wall of ice in an ice cave collapsed in Iceland resulting in one death, serious injuries and two tourists feared to be trapped under the ice. The collapse happened during an organized tour involving 25 tourists from various nationalities.
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On Sunday, August 25, 2024, a group of 25 tourists accompanied by a tour guide were exploring the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Around 3 p.m, an ice canyon wall collapsed impacting four members of the tour group.
One tourist was dead at the scene. Another was seriously injured and later airlifted to Landspitalinn, the National University Hospital of Iceland in Reykjavik, where their condition was reported as stable. Two tourists remain trapped under the ice with their conditions still unknown.
Emergency responders received the call shortly after the collapse. The rescue efforts were hampered by the challenging conditions at the site.
Rescue teams including ICE-SAR (a volunteer search-and-rescue association) and local police forces were dispatched to the scene. A total of approximately 150 individuals were involved in the search-and-rescue operations, which included the use of helicopters from the Icelandic Coast Guard and the Danish Navy.
Due to the location’s precariousness heavy machinery could not be used. Instead rescuers employed manual tools like hacks, chain saws and ice picks to clear a path through the ice.
A group of 25 tourists from several countries was on an organized tour of the ice cave. They were accompanied by a guide as is standard for such excursions in Iceland.
Another tourist was seriously injured in the collapse. This individual was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
Two tourists are still missing and rescue teams are working to locate and rescue them. The exact identities and nationalities of these missing individuals remain unconfirmed.
The rescue operation has been with difficulties. The rugged terrain of the glacier with the unstable conditions within the cave, has made it a dangerous mission. Rescuers have had to use chainsaws and other heavy equipment to cut through the thick layers of ice.
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The search was temporarily suspended overnight due to the perilous conditions with authorities citing the increased danger as darkness fell.
The operation resumed early the next morning with up to 60 rescuers on-site and more expected to join throughout the day.
As of August 26, the search continues with rescuers digging through ice in a race against time to save the trapped tourists.
Ice caves are a major tourist attraction in Iceland. These natural formations are known for their stunning blue ice.
While ice cave tours are usually conducted under the guidance of experienced professionals, they are not without risks.
The group involved in the incident consisted of tourists from various countries highlighting the global appeal of the country’s natural wonders. The exact nationalities of those involved have not yet been disclosed by Icelandic authorities.
The Breidamerkurjokull glacier is a large Vatnajokull ice cap, which covers 7,900 square kilometers and accounts for about 11% of Iceland’s total land area. The glacier ends at the Jokulsarlon Lagoon, a tourist destination where icebergs frequently break off and float in the water.
The local police force, Lögreglan á Suðurlandi provided updates via social media confirming the casualties and the rescue operations.
Chief Superintendent Rúnarsson of the Icelandic police assured the public that the tour was conducted by experienced guides who are well-versed in assessing the safety of such expeditions.
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